HMS Newcastle joins war on terror.

Portsmouth warship HMS Newcastle heads for the Mediterranean today to join a multinational force fighting the war against terrorism.

The Type 42 destroyer is to spend seven months in the eastern Med working with NATO nations in Operation Active Endeavour.

Her ship's company will work alongside navies from several nations including the United States, Italy, Turkey, Greece and the Netherlands, monitoring busy shipping lanes and boarding suspect vessels.

Operation Active Endeavour has been conducted since October 2001 to keep a constant look-out for terrorist related activity including movements of arms and explosives, as well as terrorists themselves.

Commander Jeremy Blunden, Newcastle's Commanding Officer, said: "It will be a long and busy deployment, but we are all looking forward to it.

"It will be interesting working closely with other navies in what is an important international operation."

When work patterns permit, the ship's company will be aiming to raise money for Portsmouth and Newcastle charities. Five bicycles have been donated by Halfords in Fareham for crew to raise funds through sponsored rides while ashore.